Brussels’ transport system has gone into lockdown and foreign governments have warned their citizens to be vigilant when visiting the country, following two explosions at the city’s airport on Tuesday.
Flights have been diverted away from the airport after several people were killed in the attack, according to the country’s public broadcaster, RTBF.
Passengers are being warned to stay away from the airport, ahead of the Easter long weekend break — one of Europe’s busiest public holidays.
The Brussels entire public transport system — including the Metro — has also been closed.
European rail provider Eurostar has also suspended services to Brussels. It advised passengers to postpone travel and not to come to Brussels Midi Station.
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Outside of Belgium, London’s Heathrow Airport has stepped up its police presence.
The British government has warned its citizens to be vigilant when visiting Belgium, which has now been placed at threat level 3 — meaning “a possible and real threat.”
“You should remain alert and vigilant, especially in places where there’s a high concentration of people,” said the UK Home Office.
“Belgian security operations are likely to be carried out at short notice. If you’re in an affected area you should follow the instructions of the Belgian security authorities. Police have asked the public not to comment on police operations on social media,” it added.
Similarly, the Australian government has urged citizens to use a “high degree of caution” when traveling to Brussels.
“Travelers are reminded that there is a heightened potential for police raids to take place with little or no warning in response to the raised terrorism threat,” it said.
Ireland’s Dublin Airport has warned passengers traveling to Brussels to contact their airline before arriving at the airport.
National carrier Aer Lingus is also offering refunds for passengers affected.
